Posted 5/15/2010 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Christine, I learnt about the permanent ileostomy from my surgeon.
I live in Canada. I saw the stoma (Enterostomal Therapy) nurse when I was in the hospital. Before the surgery, she marked the position for the stoma on my tummy. After the surgery, she gave me suggestion on what kind of appliances (pouches and skin barrier wafers) fit me best, how to change my appliances, etc.
The ET nurses work in the hospital and they didn't come to my home. Instead, a home-care nurse came to my home to make sure I was doing okay. I was feeling great and my husband was there to help with housework. So I told her I didn't need her help and she came just once.
I need to see the ET nurse once every 4 weeks after I went home. Every time she examines my stoma to see if I need to change to use another kind of appliance. My stoma has shunk after these 7 weeks.